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CycleTime Estimator

Streamlining the planning and design phase with precise cycle time calculations at the RFQ stage

Client Spotlight

Our client is a growing automation services company with a dynamic team spread across Germany and India. Specializing in providing services to plant manufacturers and robotic system builders, the company plays a pivotal role in streamlining production for its global customers.

The client’s expertise spans across robotic simulation, robot offline programming, and virtual commissioning services, which are essential in modern plant operations. Their services are primarily project-based, where accurate cycle time estimation during the RFQ/planning stages is critical to securing new projects and optimizing workflow efficiency.

  • Industry

    Robotics & Automation

  • Location

    Germany and India

  • Duration

    4 months

Challenges

The client, a leading automation services provider, faced significant inefficiencies in responding to large-scale RFQ (Request for Quotation) requests from their customers. The existing process was highly manual and time-consuming, creating bottlenecks in critical stages of project estimation. Key challenges included:

Manual Workflow

Each RFQ submission required manually selecting the relevant project template and adjusting multiple parameters based on the project type (e.g., welding application, number of robots, type of axis). This labor-intensive process involved cross-referencing several variables, adding complexity and increasing the margin for error.

Lack of Centralization

With multiple team members involved in the process, historical estimations were scattered across different files and documents, making it difficult to track past RFQ submissions and use them for future reference or analysis.

Time Delays

The manual estimation process stretched across weeks, causing delays in submitting RFQs to potential clients, ultimately affecting the client's ability to win projects.

Scalability Issues

As the volume of RFQs grew, the manual workflow became unsustainable, requiring an automated, centralized system to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Our Solution

To address the client’s challenges and streamline the RFQ estimation process, we developed a robust solution with the following key features:

  • Centralized Estimation Storage

    Implemented a centralized repository for storing project-based estimations. This system allows for easy access and management of historical estimation data, ensuring consistency and aiding in future project planning.

  • Automated Template-Based Workflows

    Developed a set of automated workflows with pre-defined parameters for various project types. Users can now simply select the appropriate application type and input the number of robots, which automatically populates the necessary parameters and generates accurate estimations.

  • Advanced Reporting and Analysis

    Enabled detailed analysis of estimated numbers through customizable reporting options. Users can create reports based on different master data to gain insights and compare estimates across various projects.

  • Data Export Functionality

    Integrated the capability to export estimation data in Excel format. This feature supports easy data manipulation and sharing, facilitating better decision-making and communication with stakeholders.

  • Streamlined Data Import

    Implemented a feature for importing data in a fixed, structured format. This reduces manual data entry time, minimizes errors, and accelerates the process of integrating customer inputs into the system.

Journey To Success

Our journey with the client began with a deep understanding of their existing challenges and requirements. We adopted an agile approach to develop the centralized web-based timesheet application, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness throughout the project.

Initial Planning and Discovery

We started with a thorough discovery phase, working closely with the client to define their needs and project objectives. This phase involved identifying key features, user roles, and workflow requirements to ensure the solution would address their specific challenges effectively.

Iterative Development

Using agile methodologies, we broke the project into manageable sprints, allowing for incremental development and regular feedback. Each sprint focused on delivering specific components of the application, such as time tracking, approval processes, and dashboard views. This iterative approach enabled us to refine features based on client feedback and adapt to any changing requirements.

Continuous Collaboration

Throughout the development process, our team maintained close communication with the client, providing regular updates and demonstrations of progress. This collaborative approach ensured that the solution aligned with their evolving needs and expectations.

Testing and Quality Assurance

In the final stages, we conducted thorough testing and quality assurance to ensure that all features functioned seamlessly and met the client’s standards. We addressed any issues promptly and made necessary adjustments to deliver a robust and reliable application.

Successful Implementation

The project concluded with a successful rollout of the timesheet application. The client was equipped with a powerful tool that streamlined their time tracking and approval processes, improved visibility into project costs, and provided valuable insights into productivity.

Technology in Action

  • Python
  • PostgreSQL

Impact & Results

The implementation of the Engineering Estimation System led to substantial improvements and benefits for the client:

Increased Efficiency

The automated template-based workflows and centralized storage significantly reduced the time required to generate project estimations. The manual estimation process, which previously took weeks, was streamlined into a much faster and more efficient workflow.

Enhanced Accuracy

By minimizing manual data entry and standardizing the estimation process, the system reduced errors and inconsistencies in project estimates. This led to more accurate and reliable RFQ submissions.

Faster Response Times

The ability to quickly select project templates and input data enabled the client to respond to RFQs more rapidly. This improvement in turnaround time enhanced their competitive edge and increased their chances of winning new projects.

Centralized Data Management

The centralized repository for historical estimations provided valuable insights and facilitated better decision-making. The client could easily access past data for reference, improving their ability to estimate future projects and track performance over time.

Improved Reporting Capabilities

Advanced reporting features allowed the client to analyze estimates in various ways, offering deeper insights into project costs and resource allocation. This improved their ability to make informed decisions and optimize their project planning processes.

Streamlined Data Integration

The system’s ability to import data in a fixed format and export reports in Excel format improved data management and integration, making it easier to handle inputs and share information with stakeholders.

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